Biology Newsletter #6

Biology Department Newsletter Issue 6: week commencing 11 May 2020

Down on the farm with Mr Metcalfe Spring is lambing time‌ Generally speaking, most sheep farmers in the North of England wait for the cold winter to pass before lambing time commences. Some pure bred hill sheep will lamb themselves without the need for human assistance but with a commercial flock (a hybrid of different breeds to be sold at market) help is required at the moment of delivery. And with 800 ewes at my father in law`s farm in Northumberland, the month of March is an extremely busy time.

Ideally, each ewe will have two lambs and the farmer will do his very best to ensure that this happens, using a variety of cunning methods to `trick` the mother of a single lamb into accepting the third lamb from a group of triplets.

This is called `setting on`. Wetting the natural lamb with the triplet and covering both in the afterbirth is the preferred method but some will even resort to applying aftershave to both lambs in the hope that the mother thinks that both are hers!

Mortality rates at birth and in the first few hours are around 10% so the farmer may need to set on another lamb using the skin of a recently deceased lamb.

This is literally worn like a coat, with holes for each leg being carefully made to measure. The coat will be worn for several weeks.

Helping to bring new life into the world is a special feeling and I particularly enjoy coming up to the farm at this time of year.

The biology of coronavirus

Sino Biological NY Times

If you would like to know more about how the coronavirus infects our cells or how it replicates once inside a cell (or indeed why soap is so important in our battle against coronavirus), have a look at these two fascinating websites. The NY times has lovely diagrams, whereas the more ambitious amongst you might go for the Sino Biological article.

Biology Department Newsletter Issue 6: week commencing 11 May 2020

Ecology in action: ‘Every plant counts’ citizen science activity With 15 million gardeners in the UK, the conservation charity Plantlife want to know which flowers are most abundant on lawns and work out how much nectar they are producing for our beleaguered pollinators. Take part in the last week of May between Saturday 23rd and Sunday 31st All you need to do is count the flowers present in 1 metre quadrats on your lawn. Normal ecology sampling factors need to be considered such as random placement of quadrat (which you can easily make at home!) and doing it multiple times. Find out more here and help our pollinators: Plantlife

Bloomin’ marvellous!

Mr Coleman bought this Amaryllis as a bulb for his Mum on Mothers’ day and now look at it – amazing!

Can you identify the male and female reproductive organs? How do you think this plant is pollinated?

Many plants are in flower now but they vary tremendously. Look in your garden or local park – can you still identify the organs?

What are the clues as to how they are pollinated?

Gregg’s, eat your heart out!

Last week I told you about the sourdough starter that Mrs Morriss was making at home as she didn’t have any yeast with which to bake bread. Well, look at the end result! This is the loaf that she made. All the hard work was certainly worth it – delicious!

Coronavirus and climate change One interesting outcome of the pandemic is the huge drop in carbon output as a consequence of reduced emissions.

Organising a ‘green’ recovery plan to help tackle climate change must be on the agenda for countries worldwide. Hopefully something really positive can come out of the pandemic.

Biology Department Newsletter Issue 6: week commencing 11 May 2020

Springwatch with Mr Coleman Nature can improve your mood In these worrying times, I hope that you have been able to appreciate some of the nature that is local to you. Maybe you have found a new path or wild area close to you or maybe you are just enjoying spending more time in the garden?

Scientists have proven that just a brief nature fix outside in the sun, wind or even rain can lower stress levels! Emotions like happiness feel more intense, we feel energised and our sense of purpose is heightened. As a result, our working tasks can become more manageable.

Part of the power is held in the slow movements of nature that engage our working minds and memories just enough to wash away other cares and worries but without being tiring. This so-called ‘soft fascination’ in the simple act of watching for example, the fluttering wings of a butterfly, can improve our mental health.

Where does the butterfly start and the flower end?

Now that we can all get out and about that little bit more (albeit whilst still observing social distancing rules) why not try one of the following: • Stop and smell the flowers • Watch the clouds in the sky or the ripples of water in a pond or stream • Listen to birdsong • Visit a mature tree regularly and notice how it changes over time (leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, wildlife) • Sow a seed and tend to the plant that emerges • Walk early in the morning or at sunset when the light makes everything appear even better Which predator has this butterfly evolved to mimic?

Tip – look upside down!